Washington(The COW News Digital)A powerful winter storm has brought life to a near standstill across large parts of the United States, claiming at least 65 lives and severely disrupting air travel, according to American media reports.
Extreme cold and heavy snowfall swept through eastern and central regions, pushing temperatures well below freezing and triggering a series of deadly accidents. In Chicago, temperatures plunged to minus 14 degrees Celsius, while Cleveland recorded minus 11 degrees, making outdoor conditions dangerous and increasing the risk of hypothermia.
Authorities reported that most of the fatalities occurred due to traffic accidents, exposure to extreme cold, and weather-related incidents. Emergency services across several states remain on high alert as icy roads and reduced visibility continue to pose serious risks.
The storm also caused widespread power outages. In the southern states of Tennessee and Mississippi, more than 100,000 consumers were left without electricity as heavy snowfall and ice damaged power lines. Utility crews are working around the clock to restore services, but officials warned that harsh weather conditions are slowing repair efforts.
Read More:
- Maria B Makes History with Grand Debut in Bangladesh
- UK and France Agree on Troop Deployment for Ukraine
- Trump Warns Iran, Says Response Does Not Mean Troop Deployment
Air travel has been heavily affected nationwide. On Wednesday alone, American Airlines canceled 653 flights, while 1,077 others were delayed due to snow, ice, and operational challenges. Dallas–Fort Worth International Airport, one of the busiest hubs in the country, faced significant disruptions as snowfall and freezing rain hampered airport operations.
In response to staff shortages caused by the severe weather, American Airlines reportedly offered double pay to crew members willing to work extra shifts, highlighting the strain the storm has placed on airline operations.
The US National Weather Service warned that strong, icy winds are expected to continue in parts of New York and New Jersey, further worsening the wind chill factor. Meteorologists have forecast that the cold wave is likely to persist into next week, raising concerns about prolonged disruptions and additional risks to public safety.
Local authorities have urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel, stay indoors where possible, and take precautions against extreme cold. Shelters have been opened in several cities to assist homeless and vulnerable populations.
As the winter storm continues its grip, officials stress that caution remains essential, warning that conditions could deteriorate further before any significant improvement is seen.
